Trappatoni names Irish team for Australia friendly in Limerick

Republic of Ireland soccer manager Giovanni Trappatoni has named his team ahead of the friendly international against Australia at Thomond Park in Limerick on Wednesday night.

Sean St. ledger of Preston North End keeps his place at the heart the Irish defense alongside Richard Dunne, with John O’Shea on the right and Kevin Kilbane on the left.

Trappatoni originally selected Keith Andrews of Blackburn to partner Glenn Whelan in the heart of the Irish midfield, but had a change of heart at the last minute and decided to give Darron Gibson the starting berth.

For Gibson, the Manchester United midfielder, this is a huge opportunity to stake a claim for a starting place in the remaining qualifiers. Gibson has at times seemed a little lost at this level, but now has a chance to prove his caliber at international level.

McGeady and Duff will provide the crosses from the wings, and the attack will be led by first-choice strikers Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle.

The game kicks off at 7.30 p.m. local time, and will be the first soccer match to be played at Munster Rugby’s Thomond Park.